Kepala Batas: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) aims to target new emerging markets this year to strengthen and enhance the country’s trade and economy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican emphasized the need for Malaysia to explore emerging markets in Africa, including countries such as Egypt, Libya, and Botswana, which are experiencing economic growth despite not being traditional trade partners. He indicated that Malaysian businesses have ample opportunities to enter these markets.

Reezal Merican noted the significant population growth in Africa, stating, “I believe that about ten years ago, Africa had a population of around 800 million, and now it has risen to nearly 1.4 billion.” He shared these insights with reporters following a Ramadan Aidilfitri Charity Event in Kepala Batas, where 600 individuals received cash assistance and essential goods.

Reezal Merican outlined MATRADE’s ambitious target to achieve exports exceeding RM1.7 trillion this year. In response to global geopolitical pressures and the ongoing trade war between China and the United States, he stressed the importance of exploring new markets to ensure the sustainability of Malaysia’s economy.

He mentioned that after establishing trade relations with Dubai and China, Malaysia is now considering the potential of expanding into these emerging African markets, which are expected to yield significant trade returns for the national economy. Despite Malaysia’s small size, Reezal Merican highlighted the country’s capabilities in exporting electrical and electronic goods and semiconductors, supported by new strategies from the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) under Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

Additionally, Reezal Merican announced that MATRADE would organize the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) overseas for the second time this year, following its successful debut in Dubai last year. MIHAS 2025 is scheduled to take place in Shanghai, China, as part of the ‘China International Import Expo’ (CIEE) this November, with the goal of increasing sales compared to the previous year.